Arena River Cruises

12 Reviews
Lady Anne

About Arena River Cruises

The U.K.-based Arena River Cruises is the river cruising arm of Arena Travel. Specialising in value for money cruises, the company operates two ships -- the three-star MS Calypso and four-star MS Arena -- with sailings on the Dutch waterways, Rhine, Moselle and Danube. These ships, both new for 2022, are on exclusive charter for the U.K. and Ireland market.

  • More about Arena River Cruises

  • Who goes on Arena River Cruises cruise ships?

  • Do I have to dress up on a Arena River Cruises cruise?

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Arena River Cruises Tips, Activities, and Overview

Who goes on Arena River Cruises cruise ships?

Passengers are from the U.K. and Ireland and almost all over 60. Over the years the company, previously called The River Cruise Line, has built up a fan base of repeat passengers including couples, solo travellers and groups. Larger groups of 12 or more can organise bespoke itineraries or full ship charters.

Do I have to dress up on a Arena River Cruises cruise?

Not unless you want to. The dress code is casual throughout although some people choose to dress more smartly in the evenings. On most cruises there will be a captain's farewell dinner which is more formal if passengers want to dress up, but there is no obligation.

Is everything free on Arena River Cruises cruises?

No. The line keeps prices lower by allowing passengers to bolt on things like drinks and shore excursions. Excursions are available to book in advance, either individually or as a package. New for 2022 is a premium package which includes drinks with meals, discounts on shore excursions and other perks. Wi-Fi is free are there is a complimentary 24-hour tea and coffee station. Gratuities are optional with a recommendation of €7 to €10 per person, per day.

What are Arena River Cruises’s most popular activities?

As with any river cruise, passengers usually want to be ashore most of the time when ships are in dock. A range of excursions are available, such as walking tours and visits to historic properties and gardens. Many passengers, particularly those travelling on a river cruise for the first time, opt to book several excursions to enhance their cruise experience. When ships are sailing there is a commentary on passing places of interest and in the evening there is live music and quiz nights.

Why go with Arena River Cruises?

  • Some unusual itineraries, like Germany's Rhine in Flames festival, or cruises on the Thames
  • Affordable pricing, with drinks and most excursions kept as optional extras
  • Cruises cater to the U.K. market; travel to the ship from the U.K. by air, train or coach

Best for: The line offers value for money, a friendly home-from-home atmosphere and good service. It is also a great introduction to river cruising for first-timers.

Not for: However, if you are looking for high levels of luxury and all-inclusive fares it is not the line for you.

Arena River Cruises Cruiser Reviews

Hell and no water

Arena could not control the temperature, 34 to 40 degrees, or the lack of water in the Rhine and the Danube, but it can control the standards of their staff and the state of their ship.Reception staff were also very good and helpful.Read More
Grumpy99

oneFirst Time Cruiser

•

Age 70s

Laco of attention to detail and what customers really wanted.

But a large number of the passengers were somewhat mobility infirmed and had nothing to hold onto whilst in the shower except the riser rail leaving them with no free hand to wash whilst holding the shower head!I accept that the cubicle was small and space limited but the shower head was no more than 7 cm across ans was not adjustable.Read More
chrisrem

couple2-5 Cruises

•

Age 70s

First river cruise

Personally I thought Budapest a little disappointing, though only being there one day is not sufficient to give proper opinion.Cruise manager very good at his job.Read More
Brain-box

oneFirst Time Cruiser

•

Age 70s

Rhine Cruise

Even small people (I am admittedly not one of them) will find these sleeping arrangements really difficul but to my amazement it drew little criticism from any one else of they had wanted to share their room secrets with me.The Lucy Anne is best described as quaint, it is one of the smaller River Cruise liners taking on a maximum of 100 passengers, it was often dwarfed by the many other River Liners which if space is your thing then you need to take that on board (pun not intended).Read More
Braba2000

oneFirst Time Cruiser

•

Age 70s

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